Signing Day Capsule: Craig Evans

Mike Wilson

02/05/2014

Sun Prairie (Wisc.) defensive tackle flipped to Michigan State after months of flirting with the decision and gave the Spartans a standout defensive lineman to build around -- and one that could step in early.

Evans was quite the coup heading into signing day as the Spartans were looking for a big week. He gave the start as he flipped from Wisconsin after the two parted ways.

He camped at Michigan State over the summer and was impressive, drawing plenty of attention after camp from commits and coaches alike to keep him interested. He left then decked out in Michigan State gear and it proved to be more than smoke many months later.

Evans also visited for a pair of basketball games (North Carolina, Michigan) and took in more of Michigan State and what the Spartans could offer. In the end, whatever the circumstances with Wisconsin, Michigan State gained a commitment from a potential immediate-impact recruit.

With his skill set and size, Evans could come in early and make an impact at defensive tackle. With Mark Scarpinato retiring from football, Damon Knox, Lawrence Thomas, Brandon Clemons and James Kittredge are likely to be the main guys in 2015, but Evans very well could factor into the defense as he fits well into Pat Narduzzi's scheme.